 |
|
|
 |
 |
Ah Chihuahua!
 “You don’t give fish to the needy, you teach them how to fish!” Or in Juan Quezada’s case, you teach pottery making. Forty years ago, Quezada, an unknown boy from a little town stumbled upon ceramic pots made by the Paquime natives in a cave in the state of Chihuahua. This discovery changed not only his destiny, but also had an effect in his own town of Mata Ortiz.
Now, thanks to the teachings of Quezada, the town of Mata Ortiz has more than 400 pottery makers who sell their art work internationally, making it an official “must visit” stop in Chihuahua for all tourists, especially those interested in art, culture and history.
.Full Story
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| Diversity and Cultural Richness in Awe-inspiring Chiapas
 Chiapas is like amber – it stands out at first glance, but once you have a closer look, it surprises and attracts even more. The promotional slogan used by the state fits well when it comes to this diverse and culturally rich Southern Mexican state.
Easily accessible via Tapachula International Airport (TAP), Chiapas is a spectacular and secluded destination that offers waterfalls and rivers with wild torrents of clear water, beautiful lagoons, dams of blissful charm and wonder, and towns with rituals and folklore that inspire a sense of awe.
Full Story |
|
 |
What’s Behind Your Glass? Follow the Wine Route in Baja California
For some, the name Baja is synonymous with a new playground, but in the wine making industry it’s a road trip of more than 200 hundred years of history. From the first native settlers of the region--the Kiliwa and Kumiai-- to the Spanish missionaries, to the Russian immigrants, a glass of wine from Baja is the result of centuries of intertwined cultures. So if you were impressed by the scenery in the movie “Sideways”, you should hit the road to the vineyards of Baja California and get a taste of the “New Napa Valley”.
Full Story |
|
 |
|
|
 |
Martin Gonzalez Named Director of the Mexico Tourism Board in Houston, Texas
 The Mexico Tourism Board appointed Martin Gonzalez as Director of the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) office in Houston, Texas. Here, Gonzalez will oversee Mexico’s tourism marketing for the Southern region of the U.S. The region includes Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado.
In his post, Gonzalez is responsible for the integration of regional travel partners with the Mexico Tourism Board’s events, activities and joint tourism promotions. These regional travel partners include tour operators, airlines and travel agencies. Gonzalez will also oversee the region’s advertising, and public relations efforts.
Gonzalez brings with him more than six years of experience within Mexico’s tourism industry. Prior to his appointment as director, Gonzalez served as Deputy Director of the Mexico Tourism Board in Miami from 2004 to 2007, and as Deputy Director in Washington, D.C. from 2004 to 2008.
Prior to his relocation to the U.S., Gonzalez served as Deputy General Director Liaison at the Mexico Tourism Board., Before that, he served as chief of staff from 2002 to 2003. |
|
 |
MUSHROOMS: An Indispensable Part of Mexican Cuisine
 The pre-Columbian Mayan civilization classified protein-rich mushrooms in the same food group as meat. Since then, mushrooms have been a regular part of the diet for many Mexicans.
It’s not surprising then, that you can find mushrooms in Mexican recipes like Chilied Mushrooms, Charro Mushrooms, Vegetarian Portabella Mushroom Enchiladas, Mushroom Quesadillas and many more. We can assure you that they’re easy to make, smell great and taste even better.
Huitlacoche, known in English as “corn smut”, is a soil-borne organism that grows on the kernels of corn often described as tasting “earthy”. It has been compared to several European varieties of wild mushrooms. Try a dish such as Rice with Huitlacoche (also known as Black Rice) or a Huitlacohe Omelet.
If you want to know more about the various types of mushrooms in Mexico and their diverse contributions to Mexico’s culinary world, come to the Mushroom Fair of San Juanito, in the State of Chihuahua, between the 12th and the 15th of August. You’ll learn
through workshops, demonstrations and taste-testing, Cooking contests and cultural events help to round out this event.
http://www.chihuahua.gob.mx/turismoweb/
http://www.mexperience.com/discover/mexicoeventscalendar/august.php |
|
 |
Discover Shining Crafts at the 38th National Copper Fair in Michoacán
 The people of Michoacán are experts at the elaboration of copper artifacts. They were given this gift by their ancestors who learned the trade of producing beautiful works of art made from hammered, chiseled, embossed, and silver copper.
It is no coincidence that it was the hands of the people of this community that created the cauldron which held the Olympic flame during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.
You can enjoy art, culture, history, and traditions and watch these elements come together during the 38th National Copper Festival in Santa Clara del Cobre (near Patzcuaro), Michoacán. The event will take place from August 3rd through the 17th. More than five thousand skilled artisans will participate in the elaboration and sale of their craft.
Visitors will be able to enjoy special exhibitions in which the elaboration process of varied copper artifacts, such as flower vases, candle holders, containers, fancy platters and copper jewelry, is followed closely. The festival will also allow visitors to experience the traditional dances, events and cuisine of the lovely state of Michoacán.
To learn more visit www.michoacan-travel.com. |
|
|
A Real Treasure in the Sierra Madre
 There are several exhibitions of popular culture in Mexico, but there is nothing like the Huastecan Festival (Festival de la Huasteca). Since 1996, this festival has included cultural manifestations and exchanges from the region, such as distinctive Huapango music and dance.
And because the Huastecan region in the northeastern part of Mexico is centered on the watershed of the Panuco River and includes parts of the states of Hidalgo, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz, it still has many areas of virgin rain forests making it a destination for people who enjoy such outdoor activities as rafting, kayaking, rappelling and spelunking in caverns.
This year, the town of Xilitla, located 3,281 feet up the slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountains in the State of San Luis Potosi will host its XIII Festival from August 28th -31th, omplete with Huapangueadas (a singing and dancing spectacle of Huapango lasting several hours). The festival also includes book and CD presentations, as well as workshops on Huapango, including the study of some of its typical instruments-- the violin and the Veracruzan guitar known as jarana.
The Huapango is a rhythmic genre performed by instrumental ensembles ranging from a duo of guitars to a full mariachi band. It is danced by men and women as couples, but only the men sing, often with a falsetto voice. A very well known piece of classical music is the “Huapango”, by the Mexican composer Jose Pablo Moncayo.
In addition to its Huastecan heritage and awe-inspiring landscape, Xilitla is also famous for the Briton Edward James mock-Gothic house and fantasy garden composed of natural cascades and pools, bridges, winding walkways, miniature animal houses and concrete sculptures.
The five million dollar house and garden, built between 1949 and 1984, are now a park you can visit all week long.
More information may be found at www.stepsandfalls.com, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xilitla and www.visitmexico.com |
|
|
Come and See the Light!
 There is a city in Mexico that you can now call the “City of Lights,” as the streets and buildings light up to enhance the city’s wonderful architecture. San Luis Potosi, one of the 59 Cities of Light in the world, and the only one in Latin America, invites everyone to visit its historic center and enjoy its picturesque colonial streets.
This year, San Luis Potosi will host the Annual General Meeting of Lighting Urban Community International (LUCI) from October 29th through November 2nd. More than 60 countries are expected to participate. LUCI is an international network that is working to unite cities and lighting professionals around the world to encourage lighting as a tool for urban development.
In 2006, San Luis Potosi, a member of LUCI, received third place in the International City People Light Award given by LUCI and Philips, an award that promotes the use of lights as an essential part of urban development.
The City Lighting Master Plan of the state looks to highlight the architecture of the historic buildings and monuments of the city, such as the Del Carmen Church, the Viceroyalty Museum, the La Paz theatre and the National Mask Museum. So far, the state government has invested more than $2 million dollars in this illumination project.
For more information:
www.sanluispotosi.gob.mx
www.luciassociation.org |
|
|
Chichen Itza Will Be Serenaded by Placido Domingo
 Want to be part of a historic moment in history? Come to the Yucatan this 4th of October for a day full of culture and music, and witness a spectacularperformances of opera by Spanish tenor Placido Domingo. The concert, called “Las Mil Columnas” (The Thousand Columns), will take place at the foot of the Kukulkan Pyramid of Chichen Itza.
This magnificent spectacle will celebrate Chichen Itza’s 20th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as its recent designation, in 2007, as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.. This concert will also feature performances by the soprano Ana Maria Martinez and Mexico’s most important living romantic singer and composer, Armando Manzanero.
The rehearsal, taking place two days prior to the concert, will be open to the Mayan community that resides in the area; a gesture showing how important it is that the Mayan also benefit from the tourism that has developed in this archeological zone.
For now, details are still in the works as to how the stage, electricity and other factors will be set up to help protect the archeology. The price of admittance will range from $50 up to $900, and the money raised will go towards a special fund to help preserve the area, which is of huge significance to Mexico and its culture and heritage.
For more information:
http://www.travelyucatan.com/
http://www.yucatan.gob.mx/
|
|
|
|
August 30th Named International Whale Shark Day!
 The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) announced August 30th as International Whale Shark Day during the recent International Whale Shark Conference in Isla Holbox, July 15- 20th. Representatives from over 40 countries joined together to recognize the positive impact and benefits obtained from the arrival of the species.
Whale sharks are a rare species. In the 1980s there were less than 350 confirmed in the entire world. Since then, consistent sightings have been recorded and the migration of whale sharks is now a magical experience that everyone can enjoy.
Cancun, located in the Mexican Caribbean, is among one of the few fortunate locations in the world where swimming and interacting with whale sharks is a reality. This is because the majority of whale shark species prefers the warm waters of the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula. Now is the perfect time to take part in this priceless experience. Whale shark migration is at its peak during the summer months of July and August.
The whale shark boasts impressive size with an ample mouth that extends to almost five feet when opened! These characteristics are just a few of the reasons why this creature is so unique. Known as a migrant species, where they travel from or where they’re heading next remains uncertain to those who study the migration of whale sharks.. All we do know is that whale sharks enjoy traveling through warm waters and tropical seas around the globe.
The presence of this creature in the northern areas of Isla Contoy and Cabo Catoche is due in part to the nutrient filled water, which generates a large quantity of available food. This is a phenomenon adventurers from all over the world come to Mexico to take advantage of during July and August as the opportunity to observe the dynamics of this species is limited to these summer months.
The tour to observe the whale shark can be taken in Punta Sam, just north of Cancun. The tour lasts approximately five hours, allowing plenty of time to interact with this amazing species that reminds us of the many wonders our world has to offer.
The experience is truly amazing and there is no need to fear since this shark feeds exclusively on tiny organisms known as plankton making them completely harmless towards humans. |
 |
| Interested in writing about Mexico? Learn more about our upcoming Fam trips and see how you can experience Mexico first-hand. |
|
The following FAM trips are available for the remainder of the year: |
|
- Guerrero
- Riviera Nayarit (Golf)
|
- Durango
- Sinaloa
- México City
|
|
|
